 Dedicates A New Memorial To SE AK Native Veterans; Awards Alaska Territorial Guard Medal to Ralph Kibby, Sr. June 01, 2002
"We honor all of our Southeast Alaska veterans today," said Knowles at the memorial dedication ceremony. "More than ever, America appreciates its military and its mission to protect us from terrorism. Their task is daunting, but it can and will be accomplished, just as veterans who served in the past completed their missions." Knowles thanked those who organized and supported the memorial's construction, including the Southeast Alaska Native Veterans organization and Sealaska Corporation. The new memorial to Southeast Alaska Native veterans, located in Juneau's Sealaska Plaza, features a large, inscribed piece of white marble quarried from lands owned by Sealaska Corporation, along with a set of smaller memorial stones inscribed with the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian words for "warrior" and "courage." Knowles noted that Alaska Natives and American Indians have served the U.S. in every major war in the nation's history. They have the highest per capita service record of any ethnic group in the country, and many today proudly serve in the active forces and in the Alaska National Guard and reserves. At a separate ceremony, Knowles awarded the Alaska Territorial Guard medal to longtime Juneau resident Ralph L. Kibby, Sr. At the age of 16, Kibby signed up to serve in the Alaska Territorial Guard in 1943, in the midst of World War II. After being honorably discharged in 1944, he served with the regular U.S. Army for two more years, receiving the World War II Victory Medal for his service. The Alaska Territorial Guard medal is awarded to those who served in the Guard "in recognition of their contributions and achievements as members of the Alaska Territorial Guard from 1942-1947."
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